[Skip to content](https://www.t-mobile.com/dialed-in/devices/first-iphone#maincontent)  Hey, looks like you need help finding something. I am here to chat if you have any questions Skip to main content Skip to footer [Wireless](https://www.t-mobile.com/) [Business](https://www.t-mobile.com/business) [Prepaid](https://prepaid.t-mobile.com/home) [Internet](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet) [CARDS](https://www.t-mobile.com/cards/visa-credit-rewards) [](https://www.t-mobile.com) Log in [Plans](https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans) [Unlimited Phone Plans](https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans)[Unlimited Age 55+](https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans/unlimited-55-senior-discount-plans)[Military & Veterans](https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans/military-discount-plans)[First Responder](https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans/first-responder-discounts)[Home Internet plans](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/plans)[Watch & Tablet Plans](https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans/affordable-data-plans)[Prepaid Phone Plans](https://prepaid.t-mobile.com/prepaid-plans)[Business Phone Plans](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/wireless-business-plans) [Phones & devices](https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phones) [Cell phones](https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phones)[5G phones](https://www.t-mobile.com/5g/phones)[Tablets](https://www.t-mobile.com/tablets)[Smartwatches](https://www.t-mobile.com/smart-watches)[Hotspots & more](https://www.t-mobile.com/hotspots-iot-connected-devices)[Accessories](https://www.t-mobile.com/accessories)[Bring your own device](https://www.t-mobile.com/commerce/bring-your-own-phone)[Holiday Tech Gift Ideas 2025](https://www.t-mobile.com/devices/tech-gifts)[Tech Gift Ideas](https://www.t-mobile.com/devices/tech-gifts) [Deals](https://www.t-mobile.com/offers) [See all deals](https://www.t-mobile.com/offers)[Apple](https://www.t-mobile.com/offers/apple-iphone-deals)[Samsung](https://www.t-mobile.com/offers/samsung-phone-deals)[Motorola](https://www.t-mobile.com/offers/motorola-phone-deals)[Google](https://www.t-mobile.com/offers/google-phone-deals)[Revvl](https://www.t-mobile.com/offers/t-mobile-revvl-phone-deals) [Coverage](https://www.t-mobile.com/coverage/network) [Our network](https://www.t-mobile.com/coverage/network)[4G & 5G Coverage map](https://www.t-mobile.com/coverage/coverage-map)[What is 5G](https://www.t-mobile.com/5g)[Satellite Phone Service](https://www.t-mobile.com/coverage/satellite-phone-service)[Rural & Small Towns](https://www.t-mobile.com/coverage/small-towns-rural-areas)[Try our network](https://www.t-mobile.com/offers/free-trial)[5G news](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/category/network)[Home Internet](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/eligibility) [Join Us](https://www.t-mobile.com/resources/how-to-join-us) [What makes us different](https://www.t-mobile.com/brand/why-t-mobile)[Benefits](https://www.t-mobile.com/brand/benefits)[Block scam calls](https://www.t-mobile.com/customers/scam-shield)[Travel](https://www.t-mobile.com/benefits/travel)[How to switch](https://www.t-mobile.com/resources/how-to-join-us)[Tech Gift Ideas 2024](https://www.t-mobile.com/devices/tech-gifts) [Find a store](https://www.t-mobile.com/stores/locator) [Contact & support](https://www.t-mobile.com/contact-us) [](https://www.t-mobile.com)[1-800-T-MOBILE](tel:1-800-866-2453)[Check order status](https://www.t-mobile.com/orders/check-order)[Help & support](https://www.t-mobile.com/support)[](https://www.t-mobile.com) [Cart](https://www.t-mobile.com/cart) Search - POPULAR [Search](javascript:void%280%29) My account more from T-Mobile - [Wireless](https://www.t-mobile.com/) - [Business](https://www.t-mobile.com/business) - [Prepaid](https://prepaid.t-mobile.com/home) - [Internet](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet) - [CARDS](https://www.t-mobile.com/cards/visa-credit-rewards) Legal - [Privacy Policy](https://www.t-mobile.com/privacy-center/our-practices/privacy-policy) - [Do Not Sell My Personal Information](javascript:void%280%29) - [Privacy Center](https://www.t-mobile.com/privacy-center) [Log in](https://www.t-mobile.com) [Bill pay](https://www.t-mobile.com/signin?state=eyJpbnRlbnQiOiJQYXltZW50IiwiYm9va21hcmtVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL215LnQtbW9iaWxlLmNvbS9vbmV0aW1lcGF5bWVudCJ9) [Add a line](https://www.t-mobile.com/commerce/device-intent) [Upgrade](https://www.t-mobile.com/purchase/shop) [Check order status](https://www.t-mobile.com/orders/check-order) [Ask the Community](https://www.t-mobile.com/community) [Dialed In](https://www.t-mobile.com/dialed-in) - [Devices](https://www.t-mobile.com/dialed-in/category/devices) - [Accessories](https://www.t-mobile.com/dialed-in/category/accessories) - [Tips & Tricks](https://www.t-mobile.com/dialed-in/category/tips-tricks) - [Wireless 101](https://www.t-mobile.com/dialed-in/category/wireless) - [All Blogs](https://www.t-mobile.com/dialed-in/latest) - [Newsroom](https://www.t-mobile.com/news) - [Devices](https://www.t-mobile.com/dialed-in/category/devices) - [Accessories](https://www.t-mobile.com/dialed-in/category/accessories) - [Tips & Tricks](https://www.t-mobile.com/dialed-in/category/tips-tricks) - [Wireless 101](https://www.t-mobile.com/dialed-in/category/wireless) - [All Blogs](https://www.t-mobile.com/dialed-in/latest) - [Newsroom](https://www.t-mobile.com/news) 1. [Dialed In](https://www.t-mobile.com/dialed-in) 2. Category:[Devices](https://www.t-mobile.com/dialed-in/category/devices) [DevicesCategory](https://www.t-mobile.com/dialed-in/category/devices) # Apple’s First iPhone: How It Looked and What It Could Do Published: October 14, 2025 |6 min read Chances are you remember *your* first iPhone. But what about Apple's very first iPhone *ever*? Unless you're a Boomer or maybe a Gen X-er, probably not. We'll take a journey back in time to 2007 when Apple's first iPhone made its debut—and show you just how much things have changed!    #### Jump to a Section 1. [The First iPhone (1st Generation)](https://www.t-mobile.com#1) 2. [Then vs. now: The first Apple iPhone vs. today’s powerhouse devices](https://www.t-mobile.com#2) 3. [How far we’ve come](https://www.t-mobile.com#3) - Share "Apple’s First iPhone: How It Looked and What It Could Do " on X - Share "Apple’s First iPhone: How It Looked and What It Could Do " on Facebook - Share "Apple’s First iPhone: How It Looked and What It Could Do " on LinkedIn Believe it or not, there was life before iPhones—although many Apple enthusiasts would argue differently. It was about two decades ago that Steve Jobs and his groundbreaking device would change the way the world stayed connected.  ## __The First iPhone (1st Generation)__ 18 years ago on January 9, 2007, Apple CEO Steve Jobs introduced the first iPhone at Macworld in San Francisco. A few months later on June 29, 2007, it hit the market. Jobs described the groundbreaking phone—since there wasn't much else to compare it to—as a three-in-one device that combined the functionality of an iPod, with a mobile phone, with an internet communicator—all in one little sleek and lightweight package. For the first time, you could access your email and contacts on the go, not to mention take pictures, browse the web, and make your way around town with maps (minus the turn-by-turn instructions, of course). Best of all, you could use your finger to control it all! No other device on the market could do what it did. Here's how Jobs described it: > "iPhone is a revolutionary and magical product that is literally five years ahead of any other mobile phone… We are all born with the ultimate pointing device—our fingers—and iPhone uses them to create the most revolutionary user interface since the mouse." > > Steve Jobs Understandably, thousands of people lined up across the country to get their hands on this coveted new device—waiting in line for hours, even days (with a heavy police presence) outside Apple and other retail stores just to have one of their own.  No sharing or texting your pics. No app store yet. No pretty wallpapers. No Siri. No alternate color or design choices. It was just a tiny, chunky, silver phone with a black background—but no one knew what they were missing. After all, the phone had cutting-edge features at the time! Here are just a few of the first iPhone's specs:  - iPhone OS 1 - 3.5-inch Diagonal Display (320 x 480 pixels at 163ppi) - 2-Megapixel Camera - 4GB ($499) or 8GB ($599) Options - 1,400mAh battery (8 hours of talk time) - Visual Voicemail - Safari Web Browser (with built-in Google and Yahoo! Search) - SMS Application with full QWERTY soft keyboard - Rich HTML email client - Support for Quad-Band GSM, EDGE (2G) Wireless and Bluetooth 2.0 Of course, that's downright hilarious compared to what's baked-in to today's iPhones, including artificial intelligence (AI) and [5G capabilities](https://www.t-mobile.com/dialed-in/wireless/5g-vs-4g), the latest and greatest Apple chips, professional-level cameras and video features, tons of storage, long-lasting batteries, not to mention huge, colorful displays, sleek designs, plus games and apps galore. In fact, let’s take a closer look at the [evolution of iPhone](https://www.t-mobile.com/dialed-in/devices/evolution-of-iphone) to see just how much has changed between the first iPhone and today’s advanced models.  ### __Then vs. now: The first Apple iPhone vs. today’s powerhouse devices__ Back in 2007, the first iPhone was nothing short of revolutionary—but compared to what’s in your pocket today, it’s like comparing a flipbook to a feature film. Let’s explore just how far we’ve come.  #### __Processing power__ __Then:__ A single-core processor with modest performance, just enough to handle email, phone calls, and simple apps.  __Now:__ Modern iPhones run on multi-core processors with dedicated neural engines. They support advanced machine learning, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence. You can edit 4K videos, play console-quality games, and even do real-time language translation—all on a phone.  #### __Cameras__ __Then:__ A single 2-megapixel camera with no flash, no zoom, and no video recording capability.  __Now:__ Multi-lens systems with ultra-wide, telephoto, macro, and depth sensors. Phones now offer cinematic video modes, 4K recording, night photography, and professional-grade editing tools. Some are even being used to shoot films and documentaries.  #### __Connectivity__ __Then:__ EDGE (2G) wireless, no GPS, and limited web browsing.  __Now:__ Phones today support 5G, Wi-Fi 6 and beyond, Bluetooth 5+, precise GPS, and more. You can stream high-definition content, play cloud-based games, or download large files in seconds.  #### __Battery and charging__ __Then:__ A 1,400mAh battery with roughly 8 hours of talk time and only cabled charging.  __Now:__ Batteries are significantly larger, and smart optimization helps extend life throughout the day. Fast charging, wireless charging, and even magnetic accessories (e.g., MagSafe) make powering up faster and more flexible than ever.  #### Navigation and apps __Then:__ Maps with no real-time directions and no App Store.  __Now:__ Real-time GPS, turn-by-turn navigation, public transit guidance, and augmented reality for walking directions. Plus, millions of apps now cover everything from fitness tracking to banking, meditation, and photo editing.  #### __Display and design__ __Then:__ A 3.5-inch screen with a 163ppi pixel density.  __Now:__ Edge-to-edge OLED or Super Retina displays, high refresh rates, HDR, and stunning color accuracy. Today’s phones are slimmer, more durable, and come in a variety of materials and finishes—some even fold or flip.  #### __Security__ __Then:__ A four-digit passcode was your only line of defense.  __Now:__ Phones use advanced biometrics like Face ID and fingerprint recognition, plus end-to-end encryption, app privacy controls, and on-device processing for sensitive data.  #### __Communication__ __Then:__ SMS texting, voice calls, and basic email.  __Now:__ High-quality video calls, real-time collaboration, voice messaging, group chats, emojis, gifs, reactions, and AI-powered suggestions. Communication today is visual, dynamic, and instantly global.  #### __Voice and AI__ __Then:__ Your finger was the only input method.  __Now:__ Voice assistants can schedule meetings, play music, answer questions, set reminders, translate languages, and even control your smart home.  ### __How far we’ve come__ If the original iPhone was like a digital Swiss Army knife, today’s models are more like pocket-sized supercomputers. They’re sleek, powerful, and packed with tools that were once unthinkable on a mobile device. So, what can we expect from Apple iPhones as we look ahead to the next decade or two? No one's exactly sure yet. But you can bet we'll be looking back and laughing about what we didn't have.  ##### __You May Also Be Interested In:__ - [Evolution of iPhone](https://www.t-mobile.com/dialed-in/devices/evolution-of-iphone) - [What is the Best iPhone of 2025? A Comprehensive Review of Our Top iPhone Picks](https://www.t-mobile.com/dialed-in/devices/best-iphones) - [iPhone 17 Series: Everything You Need to Know](https://www.t-mobile.com/dialed-in/devices/iphone-17-series) - [iPhone 17 Series vs. iPhone 16 Series: New Features, Specs, Price & Upgrade Guide](https://www.t-mobile.com/dialed-in/devices/iphone-17-vs-iphone-16) - [Compare iPhone models](https://www.t-mobile.com/devices/compare-iphone-models) - [Shop iPhone models](https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phones/brand/apple) Sources: [https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2007/01/09Apple-Reinvents-the-Phone-with-iPhone/](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2007/01/09Apple-Reinvents-the-Phone-with-iPhone/) [https://www.thestreet.com/video/june-29-2007-apple-releases-the-iphone](https://www.thestreet.com/video/june-29-2007-apple-releases-the-iphone) [https://www.apple.com/iphone/compare/](https://www.apple.com/iphone/compare/) ## Related Articles NEW [Read More](https://www.t-mobile.com/dialed-in/devices/what-is-prepaid-phone) [](https://www.t-mobile.com/dialed-in/devices/what-is-prepaid-phone) [Devices](https://www.t-mobile.com/dialed-in/category/devices) ## [What Is a Prepaid Phone? How It Works and Why You Might Need One](https://www.t-mobile.com/dialed-in/devices/what-is-prepaid-phone) May 15, 2026 [Read More](https://www.t-mobile.com/dialed-in/devices/best-cell-phones-for-seniors) [](https://www.t-mobile.com/dialed-in/devices/best-cell-phones-for-seniors) [Devices](https://www.t-mobile.com/dialed-in/category/devices) ## [Our 10 Best Cell Phones for Seniors in 2026](https://www.t-mobile.com/dialed-in/devices/best-cell-phones-for-seniors) May 27, 2026 NEW [Read More](https://www.t-mobile.com/dialed-in/devices/motorola-moto-pad-2026-specs) [](https://www.t-mobile.com/dialed-in/devices/motorola-moto-pad-2026-specs) [Devices](https://www.t-mobile.com/dialed-in/category/devices) ## [moto pad – 2026: Motorola Tablet Specs, Features, and More](https://www.t-mobile.com/dialed-in/devices/motorola-moto-pad-2026-specs) May 1, 2026 ### Get Connected with T-Mobile! Shop Now for your ideal phone. [Shop now](https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phones) ## Follow T-Mobile - [](https://www.instagram.com/tmobile/) - [](https://www.facebook.com/TMobile) - [](https://twitter.com/TMobile) - [](https://www.youtube.com/user/TMobile/custom) [English](https://t-mobile.com)[Español](https://es.t-mobile.com) Even more plans Even more plans - [International phone plans](https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans/international-roaming-plans) - [International passes](https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans/international-roaming-plans/unlimited-calling-data-pass) - [Home Internet plans](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/plans) - [Phone and internet bundle package](https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans/phone-home-internet-bundle) - [Hotspot data plans](https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans/affordable-data-plans/hotspots) - [Smartwatch data plans](https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans/affordable-data-plans/smartwatches) - [Wireless business plans](https://www.t-mobile.com/business/wireless-business-plans) Shop cell phones by brand Shop cell phones by brand - [Apple iPhones](https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phones/brand/apple) - [Samsung Galaxy phones](https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phones/brand/samsung) - [Google Pixel phones](https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phones/brand/google) - [OnePlus phones](https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phones/brand/oneplus) - [T-Mobile Revvl phones](https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phones/brand/t-mobile) - [Motorola Moto phones](https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phones/brand/motorola) New featured cell phones New featured cell phones - [New Apple iPhone Air](https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone/apple-iphone-air) - [New Apple iPhone 17](https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone/apple-iphone-17) - [New Apple iPhone 17 Pro](https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone/apple-iphone-17-pro) - [New Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max](https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone/apple-iphone-17-pro-max) - [New Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7](https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone/samsung-galaxy-z-fold7) - [New Google Pixel 10](https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone/google-pixel-10) New featured tablets, smartwatches & more New featured tablets, smartwatches & more - [Apple Watch Series 11 42mm](https://www.t-mobile.com/smart-watch/apple-watch-series-11-42mm) - [Apple Watch Series 11 46mm](https://www.t-mobile.com/smart-watch/apple-watch-series-11-46mm) - [Apple Watch SE 3 40mm](https://www.t-mobile.com/smart-watch/apple-watch-se-3-40mm) - [Apple Watch SE 3 44mm](https://www.t-mobile.com/smart-watch/apple-watch-se-3-44mm) - [Apple Watch Ultra 3](https://www.t-mobile.com/smart-watch/apple-watch-ultra-3) - [Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Classic 46MM](https://www.t-mobile.com/smart-watch/samsung-galaxy-watch8-classic-46mm) Helpful consumer guides Helpful consumer guides - [Dialed In](https://www.t-mobile.com/dialed-in) - [iPhone 17 Series: Everything You Need to Know](https://www.t-mobile.com/dialed-in/devices/iphone-17-series) - [How to Watch the Las Vegas Grand Prix](https://www.t-mobile.com/dialed-in/tips-tricks/how-watch-f1-las-vegas-grand-prix) - [The 6 Best Samsung Phones of 2025](https://www.t-mobile.com/dialed-in/devices/best-samsung-phones) - [How Does Satellite Phone Service Work?](https://www.t-mobile.com/dialed-in/wireless/how-satellite-phone-service-works) T-Mobile customer benefits T-Mobile customer benefits - [TV streaming deals](https://www.t-mobile.com/tv-streaming) - [T-Mobile Tuesdays](https://www.t-mobile.com/offers/t-mobile-tuesdays) - [In-flight wi-fi](https://www.t-mobile.com/benefits/travel/in-flight-wifi) - [Refer-a-Friend](https://referral.t-mobile.com) - [Device protection plan](https://www.t-mobile.com/benefits/phone-protection-plans) - [Protection 360® HomeTech](https://www.t-mobile.com/benefits/phone-protection-plans/p360-home-tech) Switch to T-Mobile Switch to T-Mobile - [How to switch to T-Mobile](https://www.t-mobile.com/resources/how-to-join-us) - [Try our 5G network](https://www.t-mobile.com/offers/free-trial) - [Bring your own device](https://www.t-mobile.com/resources/bring-your-own-phone) - [Switch to T-Mobile from Verizon or AT&T](https://www.t-mobile.com/switch/keep-phone-switch-from-verizon-or-att) - [Family freedom deal](https://www.t-mobile.com/switch/pay-off-carrier-etf-phone-deal) - [Cell phone trade-in](https://www.t-mobile.com/devices/phone-trade-in) Additional support Additional support - [View return policy](https://www.t-mobile.com/responsibility/legal/return-policy) - [Contact us](https://www.t-mobile.com/contact-us) - [Billing](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/account/whats-impacting-your-bill) - [Shipping & pickup options](https://www.t-mobile.com/customers/shipping-dates) - [Emergency Broadband Benefit](https://www.t-mobile.com/customers/emergency-broadband-benefit) - [Free Internet for Students](https://www.t-mobile.com/brand/project-10-million) - [Redeem a rebate](https://promotions.t-mobile.com/) - [Domestic Violence Resources](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/account/keeping-customers-safe-connected) About T-Mobile About T-Mobile - [Our Story](https://www.t-mobile.com/our-story) - [T-Mobile careers](https://careers.t-mobile.com/) - [Privacy Center](https://www.t-mobile.com/privacy-center) - [Newsroom](https://www.t-mobile.com/news) - [Corporate Responsibility](https://www.t-mobile.com/responsibility) [](https://www.t-mobile.com) - [About](https://www.t-mobile.com/our-story) - [Investor relations](https://investor.t-mobile.com/default.aspx) - [Press](https://www.t-mobile.com/news) - [Careers](https://careers.t-mobile.com) - [Deutsche Telekom](https://www.telekom.com/en) - [Puerto Rico](https://www.t-mobilepr.com/) - [Privacy Notice](https://www.t-mobile.com/privacy-center/privacy-notices/t-mobile-privacy-notice) - [Trust Center](https://security.t-mobile.com/) - [Privacy Center](https://www.t-mobile.com/privacy-center) - [Consumer information](https://www.t-mobile.com/responsibility/consumer-info) - [Public safety/911](https://www.t-mobile.com/responsibility/consumer-info/safety/9-1-1) - [​Terms & conditions](https://www.t-mobile.com/responsibility/legal/terms-and-conditions) - [Terms of use](https://www.t-mobile.com/responsibility/consumer-info/policies/terms-of-use) - [Accessibility](https://www.t-mobile.com/responsibility/consumer-info/accessibility-policy) - [Open Internet](https://www.t-mobile.com/responsibility/consumer-info/policies/internet-service) - [Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information](javascript:void%280%29) - [Licenses & Patents](https://www.t-mobile.com/responsibility/legal/licenses-and-patents) - [Consumer Health Data Privacy Notice](https://www.t-mobile.com/privacy-center/privacy-notices/t-mobile-privacy-notice.html#health-data-privacy-notice) - [T-Mobile, the T logo, Magenta and the magenta color are registered trademarks of Deutsche Telekom AG.](https://www.t-mobile.com) - [](https://www.instagram.com/tmobile/) - [](https://www.facebook.com/TMobile) - [](https://twitter.com/TMobile) - [](https://www.youtube.com/user/TMobile/custom) © 2026 T‑Mobile USA, Inc. Top